Elastomer belt impregnated with carbon for testing dielectric adequacy and for indicating physical defects in a nonconducting material

Abstract

An elastomer impregnated with carbon is utilized in conjunction with a conductor to test the dielectric adequacy of a nonconductor and to indicate physical defects, such as cracks, pinholes or a thickness below a predetermined minimum, by depositing traces of carbon on the nonconductor in the area of the defect or the area where the thickness is below the predetermined minimum.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A belt to be utilized with a high voltage source for testing the Dielectric Adequacy and for detecting flaws in a non-conductive material, said belt comprising an elastomer strip rounded on opposite ends and impregnated with particulate conductive material, and a pair of D-shaped rings forming a buckle for tightening said belt and holding it in the tightened position, the D-shaped rings having rounded transitions to provide continuous curved smooth surfaces outside the belt, the belt being folded so that the rounded ends register and the buckle being disposed at the fold, the folded portion being bonded together in order to capture the buckle and form a smooth belt with no abrupt changes in cross-section, the belt and buckle cooperating to produce a smooth tight band around the non-conductive material and prevent corona discharge when connected to the high voltage source. 
     
     
       2. The belt as set forth in claim 1, wherein the particulated conducting material is carbon.